“The ethanol industry remains strong.” Those were the words of Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen earlier this week at the National Ethanol Conference. The conference was titled “Building Partnerships, Growing Markets.”
Talking to more than 1,000 people, Dinneen touted the ethanol industry?s ability to navigate any market or policy challenges lying ahead.
Monte Shaw was there. He is Iowa Renewable Fuels Association executive director.
?There are a lot of opportunities out there. I also think there is an equal number of challenges right now. We really saturated, to a certain degree, the E-10 market in the U.S. Most experts agree over 95% of ever gallon of gasoline sold in the United States, is now ethanol-blended.?
Shaw says if we are going to continue to grow domestic markets. We should get to higher blends.
?I understand corn prices are not where corn prices would be right now but look at where they would be if we gave up and let big oil take back the market share we gained over the last few years,? Shaw says. ?We do want to grow ethanol use and help the farm economy out because that is one of our goals but at the same time we have to be grateful on how far we?ve come.?
Scott Pruitt began his first day as EPA Administrator Tuesday. Shaw is confident he will follow through upholding the Renewable Fuels Standard.
In a letter sent Tuesday to National Ethanol Conference attendees, President Trump reiterated his unwavering support for ethanol and the Renewable Fuel Standard.
?Rest assured that your president and this administration values the importance of renewable fuels to America?s economy and to our energy independence. As I emphasized throughout my campaign, renewable fuels are essential to America?s energy strategy,? Trump wrote.
The conference took place Monday through Wednesday San Diego.
